Hong Kong judge defies government’s bid to ban pro-democracy protest song
Judge refuses Hong Kong government’s request for injunction against Glory to Hong Kong, saying it could have chilling effect
Hong Kong’s high court has rejected a government attempt to ban a protest song, Glory to Hong Kong, saying an injunction could create a chilling effect and undermine freedom of expression.
The government had sought the injunction banning online publication or distribution of the song, arguing it insulted China’s national anthem and could give people the impression that Hong Kong was an independent country.
The song became an unofficial anthem after the 2019 pro-democracy protests and ensuing government crackdown. Its Cantonese lyrics integrated a key protest slogan – “break now the dawn, liberate our Hong Kong; in common breath, revolution of our times” – and was widely adopted by protesters.
There is growing intolerance for any slogans, statements or paraphernalia that supported the pro-democracy movement. People have been arrested and some prosecuted for playing the song in public, possessing or holding Hong Kong independence flags, and shouting pro-independence slogans.
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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/28/court-rejects-attempt-ban-glory-hong-kong-protest-song